Brisbane Airport complains about rise in Passenger Movement Charge while asking airlines to pay for new runway

THE Brisbane Airport Corporation has written to the Federal Government complaining about a charge that will add $8 to airfares - at the same time it is trying to make airlines pay an extra $4 a fare for a new runway.

Airport chief Julieanne Alroe complained to the Federal Government about a rise in the Passenger Movement Charge - not much bigger than the fee being imposed by the BAC on airlines.

In a letter obtained by The Courier-Mail, Ms Alroe said the $8 increase represented "an unfair burden on a sector of the economy that has faced significant challenges in recent years".

"The potential of the increase to discourage travellers, particularly those from markets such as New Zealand, must be recognised."

On Thursday, Ms Alroe said the runway charge of about $4 a fare, was a "small price to pay to see Queensland grow".

BAC corporate relations manager Rachel Crowley said there was a big difference between the PMC and the runway charge.

"Our objection to the PMC was that it provided no demonstrable benefit to the tourism industry," Ms Crowley said.

"The new runway will provide massive benefit to the tourism industry."